Bundle up for the best outdoor winter events

Yes, it’s cold outside, but it’s also wintertime and we’re hearty New Englanders, so let’s get outdoors and have some fun.

Yes, it’s cold outside, but it’s also wintertime and we’re hearty New Englanders, so let’s get outdoors and have some fun.

Here are 10 of our favorite outdoor winter events that you won’t want to miss.

Winter Free Ice Fishing Day
When: Saturday, January 19
Where: Statewide
What’s it all about: If you’ve wanted to try your hand at ice fishing, then this is your chance. For one day only, Granite Staters can fish without a license on local ponds and lakes. This annual event takes place on the third Saturday in January (there’s also a free fishing day on the first Saturday in June). For more ice fishing resources and ideas on where to go, click here.
More info: wildlife.state.nh.us

Ice Day
When: Sunday, January 20 | 9 a.m.
Where: Muster Field Farm Museum in North Sutton
What’s it all about: Ice carving has deep roots in the state’s history, so head to the Muster Field Farm Museum to find out what it’s all about. Once the ice has been harvested, it will be loaded by the farm’s ice block fulcrum onto wagons and vehicles and then hauled to the farm. The Ice House, c.1890, will be fully stacked with block ice for use throughout the summer months. Admission is free to attend.
More info: musterfieldfarm.com

More great things to do outside

9th Annual Winter Festival and Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament
When: January 24-27
Where: White Park in Concord
What’s it all about: The Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament draws hundreds of hockey enthusiasts of all ages to partake in games of pond hockey, a classic winter tradition. In addition to the hockey games, there is also a festival-like atmosphere in the city of Concord and attendees can look forward to live music, food trucks, public skating, ice sculptures and bon fires. There is a fee to participate in the hockey tournament but general admission to attend is free.
More info: blackicepondhockey.com

19th Annual Jackson Invitational Snow Sculpting Competition
When: January 25-27
Where: Black Mountain and Jackson Village in Jackson
What’s it all about: Sculptors from across the Northeast will transform 8-by-4-food cylinders of snow into works of art at this annual winter contest. Visitors are invited to watch the artists at work, roast marshmallows by the fire and even partake in a scavenger hunt.
More info: jacksonnh.com

Adventure Treasure Hunt
When: Saturday, February 2 | 10:30 – 11:30a.m.
Where: McLane Audubon Center in Concord
What’s it all about: Bundle up and set course for an Adventure Treasure Hunt at the McLane Audubon Center. All ages are invited to use a compass and clues to find the treasure hidden in our forest. The Center will provide compasses, and snowshoes if necessary. The best part? You get to keep a piece of the treasure…if you can find it! The cost is $15 for families or $10 for Audubon members.
More info: nhaudubon.org

Merrimack River Eagle Festival
When: Saturday, February 9
Where: Newburyport and Amesbury, MA
What’s it all about: Head across state lines for a day of indoor and outdoor activities celebrating the return of the Bald Eagles to the Merrimack River. Attendees will learn about these magnificent birds—as well as other amazing raptors such as Snowy Owls—and why this area’s local habitat is so important to them.
More info: massaudubon.org

8th Annual Snowshoe Festival
When: Saturday, February 9 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield
What’s it all about: This outdoor event celebrates the winter season, snowshoeing, and love of the outdoors. Participants can enjoy snowshoeing or cross country skiing on a variety of trails. Additionally, participants will be able to enjoy lunch, tours, toasted marshmallows, a roaring fire, and more. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for ages 13 to 17 and $5 for ages 5 to 12, Children under 5 are free.
More info: shakermuseum.org

16th Annual Ice Harvest and Winter Carnival
When: Saturday, February 16 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth
What’s it all about: Visitors can take part in traditional ice block cutting, piking and hoisting of ice blocks. The blocks will then be transported to the ice house to be used in warmer months. In addition to ice harvesting, there will be plenty of indoor and outdoor festivities, including: meet and greet with farm animals, family-friendly games, scavenger hunt, music, snowmobile rides, snowman building, ice sculptures and crafts. Cost is $10 per person for ages 11 and older and $5 for children ages 5-10. Kids 4 and younger are free.
More information: remickmuseum.org